What Follows...... (#sacredgames)

What Follows......

Sartaj drew the pattern - the one which was on the page where his father's palm imprint was placed. The pattern delayed the explosion by 25 minutes and asked for an administrator password which needed to be entered in English alphabets to defuse the bomb, where 5 attempts would be accepted.

The clock seemed to be ticking faster for Sartaj. He was feeling dizzy. He got down from the van, walked in a wobbly manner towards Majid's body. He looked at the body, placed his palm on his head and then, slapped Majid's face multiple times while wailing out loud - "Tu kyun Chala gaya? Ab tera zaroorat thaa." He paused after a while, wiped off his tears remembering that the city needed him. He climbed into the van and tried to crack the password. 16 mins 10 secs left. He gave his first shot - "Shahid". Incorrect. 4 attempts left, 15 mins 58 secs to go. He tried for the 2nd time - "Gaitonde". Incorrect. 3rd attempt - "ISI". Incorrect again. 14 mins 23 secs and 2 attempts left.

He was really tensed. Tears rolled down his cheeks. His eyes fell on Shahid's body. He got down from the van. Shahid's face seemed a little unusual to Sartaj. With every step towards Shahid, a wry smile on Shahid's face seemed to be getting only wider. The very familiar voice of Gaitonde made its way back into the mind of Sartaj - "Yeh Khel Aapse, mujhse....kaafi bara hai". This started reverberating inside his head, causing a lot of pain. He took out the little container in his pocket but there weren't any 'guchis' left. Suddenly, Markand and the lady, Dr. Chhaya, who attempted to defuse the bomb before Sartaj, made their way through. He started to think that Markand was also involved in this, as a result of the paranoia. Before he could say anything, he fell down completely unconsciousness on the floor.

Sartaj's mother makes her way onto the dais to receive the bravery award (posthumous) on behalf of her son.

Amidst the people seated, were Markand and Dr. Chhaya. They recalled the day. Markand was trying to bring back Sartaj's consciousness. Dr. Chhaya gave the 4th shot - "Kaal Granth". Incorrect. 6 minutes, 1 attempt left. Dr. Chhaya insisted on taking the 5th attempt but Markand asked her to leave immediately. Markand carried Sartaj on his arms and made their way onto the terrace of the building where the helicopter was. As they entered into the helicopter, Sartaj seemed to partly regain his consciousness, looked at Dr. Chhaya and said, "Aham Brahmasmi". Dr. Chhaya and Markand exchanged glances for some time before she got off the helicopter and ran towards the van. Markand shouted, "Mat jaaiye madam."

Sartaj passed away in the hospital due to drug induced problems.

"Finally, Sartaj has saved the city of Mumbai".

"But, who will save Delhi?" - Batya, who was at the same event, uttered these words to someone over phone.